Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on Daughter! Don’t You Understand the First Thing About Filial Piety?!
"Daughter! Don’t You Understand the First Thing About Filial Piety?!" is quite a ride. It throws you headfirst into the life of Kenji Tanaka, a middle-aged salaryman who becomes a magical girl, and the ensuing chaos is both hilarious and surprisingly poignant. It's a story that isn't afraid to get weird, and honestly, I found myself hooked despite some reservations.
First Impressions
The premise alone is enough to grab your attention: a single dad transforming into a magical girl to cope with aging and his daughter's impending marriage. It's a bizarre blend of genres – action, comedy, slice of life, and even a dash of the supernatural – that somehow manages to work. The synopsis does feel a little too simplistic, though. It hints at the craziness, but doesn’t quite capture the story's depth or the emotional complexities that unfold.
What Works Well
The author's writing is a definite strength. They handle the comedic and dramatic elements with skill, creating a narrative that's both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely touching. I was particularly impressed with the portrayal of Kenji's internal struggles. His pride as a father and his growing feelings of irrelevance are palpable. The world-building, while not overly detailed, is intriguing enough to keep you invested in the mysteries surrounding the magical girl transformations. I also appreciated how the gender-bender aspect, initially jarring, becomes more natural as the story progresses.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. The romance between Kenji (as Magical Girl Black) and his daughter's boyfriend is... controversial, to say the least. While I found the ensuing conflict to be a source of both comedy and dramatic tension, I can understand why some readers might find it off-putting. One could argue that the romantic pairing feels a bit forced, especially when it becomes tied to Kenji's magical abilities. The idea that he needs romantic love to strengthen his powers, rather than familial love, felt like a misstep.
Final Verdict
Despite my reservations about the romantic subplot, "Daughter! Don’t You Understand the First Thing About Filial Piety?!" is an undeniably entertaining read. The author's writing is strong, the characters are compelling (if sometimes frustrating), and the overall premise is unique and engaging. It's a story that takes risks, and while those risks don't always pay off perfectly, they make for a memorable and thought-provoking experience. I'd recommend it with a slight caveat: be prepared for some potentially uncomfortable plot points, but also be ready for a wild and surprisingly heartfelt ride.
